Guide - Making it big as a DJ

[creator]

You reckon you're worth the price of admission? You probably are. But there are literally thousands of other DJs who are worth it, too. Its a dog-eat-dog industry and more than ever its about connections and marketability rather than just talent.
Some basic advice is to value your skills. At first you'll play for free for anyone. But if the money's being made from your work, you should be on the payroll. More importantly, be part of a scene. Most underground scenes are hard to break into, but if your not in inside, you're nowhere.

AVOID RIP-OFFS
Hard cash only. Never accept a cheque - boing! even better, try and get paid before you go on. What do you mean the promoters gone home? Try to get a diposit. Agencies accept a 50% deposit up-front. This can be a friendlier way of protecting yourself than a contract. Plus, beware of out-of-pocket expenses. Don't trust anyone to pay you back. If they're covering travel or accomodation as part of the deal, make sure they pay up front.
Lastly, get a contact for gigs abroad and out of town. At the very least get a solid verbal aggreement, and write down the details. Or simply write out today's date, the gig details and the agreed price, and whoever's booked you to sign it. Even on a napkin, this is a legal contract. Beware, though: a contract protects you legally but can send out a message of mistrust. For gigs that you get through personal contracts, think carefully about whether or not you use one.

BUILD ON YOUR REPUTATION
Firstly, turn up. This is obvious, really. A simple no-show can ruin things for you. If it unavoidable, let the promoter know as early as possible and be truly apoligetic. Don't be too available. Make people think you in constant demand, even if you haven't played out in weeks. Also, know what you're worth. Figure out how many poeple your bringing in through the door. Another thing is to watch for your name on the fylers. You weren't booked, but everyone thought you were! This can be as bad as a genuine non-appearence. Its hard to prevent, but you can sue.

MONEY & TAXES
you should also be businesslike. Watch your earnings and compare them to how much you spend on records. Ouch! Its a good idea to save your receipt. Travels, records, magazines, stationary, audio & computer equipment, petrol, hotels, your mobile phone bills, are all legitimate buiness expenses for a working DJ! This mean there all tax deductable, so when the inland revenue works out your tax bill, they'll knock off a healthy proportion of what you've spent on these things. Lastly, get an accountan. At least to do your tax returns. They save you more than they cost.
Fear the taxman, because he knows DJing is now a lucrative cash business. Start earning and he'll start watching. Several middle-ranking DJs were recently caught for not declaring all their income.

GET A MANAGER
A manager does all the things you would do yourself if only you had the time, the blag, the blinding ambition, or a tiny bit of common sense. This includes whatever it takes make you rich, famous and oh-so stylish. A good manager will run all aspects of your career, from getting bookings to arranging production and remix work, boosting your profile, making unwise investments in the stockmarket, and getting you in loaded photo shoots. And of course they'll tell you how wonderful you are whenever you're having a bad hair day.
Managers usually take 15-20% depending on you agreement. If you have a booker as well, he/she gets their cut first and manager takes theirs out whatevers left.

GET A BOOKING AGENT
An agent (or booker) gets you gigs, simple as that. They will send out your mixes, negotiate with promoters, draw up a contract with them (which will include taking any a non-refundable 50% deposit of your fee), and organise travel, accomodation, visa's and work permits where it is part of the deal. They sound wonderful, but they won't touch you unless you can make some money.
Managers take between 10-15% of any bookings they get for you (US agents usually take 20%). They will know what you're worth better than you do, because they have a broader perspective of the scene. They'll bust a gut to your price up, and if they represent you exclusively they'll look after your work diary. Some are motivated solely by the money, but most by the satisfaction that comes from seeing their DJ prodigies rise through the ranks of a particular scene.

[bob]

very interesting...thanks guys.